GGC Medicines - Sodium Valproate Dosage and Administration Advice in Status Epilepticus

Sodium Valproate Dosage and Administration Advice in Status Epilepticus

Sodium valproate 25 mg/kg IV, single dose, infuse over 15 minutes. Maximum dose 2500mg.

Contraindications:

pregnancy/ women of childbearing potential
mitochondrial disease or metabolic disorder predisposing to hepatotoxicity
concurrent use with carbapenems e.g. meropenem (major interaction resulting in markedly reduced sodium valproate levels and therapeutic effects)
active liver disease
porphyria

Cautions: Check concomitant drugs (valproate is an enzyme inhibitor, with immediate effect on half-life of other drugs e.g. lamotrigine)

Administration: Give in 50ml - 100ml sodium chloride 0.9% over 15 minutes. Please note this is a faster infusion rate than specified in the current IV monograph but has been approved for administration in this way in NHSGGC.

Please state the infusion time when prescribing on the kardex or HEPMA.

Sodium valproate
Weight (kg)	Dose (mg) (25mg/kg)	Volume (ml) of 100mg/1ml injection
35-44	1000	10
45-54	1250	12.5
55-64	1500	15
65-74	1750	17.5
75-84	2000	20
85-95	2250	22.5
>95	2500	25

Use of sodium valproate in status epilepticus is ‘off-label’ but is approved for use in this way within NHSGGC, an unlicensed medicine form does not need to be completed for use in this indication.

Guideline reviewed: June 2022

Page updated: September 2022